Clinical And Evolutive Characteristics in Acute Toxic Methemoglobinemia in Children
Abstract Introduction: Acquired or toxic methemoglobinemia is the result of exposure by swallowing, inhalation or dermal absorbtion of medicines or non-drug chemicals with oxidizing properties. The main objectives of the study were to highlight the main causes of methemoglobinemia in children, to identify the associated factors and their influence on the clinical form of the disease as well as the response to antidote treatment with methylene blue. Methods: All patients with acute toxic methemoglobinemia hospitalized over a period of six years were included in the study, the inclusion criteria being: age < 18 years, suggestive symptomatology (generalized cyanosis, asthenia, dyspnea) and methemoglobin values >3%. Results: 82 patients with acute toxic methemoglobinemia were identified of which the majority (94%) were between 0-5 years. 69 cases were secondary to exposure to nitrates from water used to prepare food. The severity of methemoglobinemia was ...